Every step you take, Google will be watching you
Jason Mick (Blog),Dailytech.com,
Cell phone GPS is no big deal in the tech industry -- it has been around for a while on various "smart" cell phones. Google took the concept behind this existing technology and on Wednesday unveiled how it is modifying this idea into something new and different. Google is looking to give those without a GPS equipped phone the ability to use their phone as a locater on Google Maps.
The feature which is available for most cell phones which are able to access Google maps. Typically only smart-phones come with built in GPS. Google estimates that the vast majority of user's cell phones -- 85 percent -- do not contain GPS support.
The technology is part of Google's cell phone market push, which includes, most significantly, the Android OS, Google's new cell-phone OS which is gearing up to take on Microsoft and Symbian.
The new locater service, will automatically enter the user's location information when Google Maps is loaded.
Google doesn't want its users to feel likes its watching them -- to alleviate privacy concerns, the system is designed to have minimal access to user information. It will not collect or access the user's phone number or any other personal information that might help to reveal their identity. Steve Lee, product manage for Google Mobile Maps also said the feature could be easily disabled by clicking a link in the help menu, as a further safety measure to set the consumer's mind at ease.
The service is drawing early enthusiasm from analysts, who say it will be great for on the go business people and travelers.
Google's service also has a couple of feathers in its cap over GPS. Its service will work indoors, which the satellite-based GPS can not. Further, it will drain the cell phone's battery less that GPS, which could also be very helpful to business travelers with a long and tricky travel route.
Read More ....
No comments:
Post a Comment